PICKAWAY – The Deek Creek Dam was created to reduce flooding the area area by the Scioto river. Holding back water creating a storage area for excess water that is released when needed. Total flood damage prevented by the dam has a estimate of over 100 million dollars.
The original build was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, construction of the dam began in 1965 and was completed in 1968. The dam was designed to be a key component in a comprehensive plan for the Ohio River Basin, to provide Flood Risk Management, Recreation, and Fish and Wildlife Management for the area. the 1,277 acre lake costs around 19 million to create. in 1974 the Ohio Division of Natural Resources opened the area up as a State Park.
Deer Creek Dam is one of over 40 dams located in Ohio. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District. The area is run by the district and is built to be flooded if needed and still be operational after waters recede. Areas such as the Marina are leased properties.
The Dam holds back over 1000 acres of water and feeds that water slowly into the Scioto river just south of Circleville. The dam is operated by five full time staff members and other assistant members from the military.
The Dam also attracts visitors every year for fishing, camping, and fun, including a yearly festival called the Deer Creek Dam Days.
Thats not all the history of the Dam though, built on Prehistoric mounds from a tribe that gathered in that location in 2,000 B.C.E. and had burials there, found later by explorers and scientist, now those artifacts have been removed and placed on the National Resigser of Historic Places.
The Pickaway County area has a solid history of Presidents also and Dam Creek owns some of that history when William G. Harding would stay in a cabin in the area for hunting and fishing, the Cabin was build and owned by Harry Daugherty Attorney General at that time.
More information on the Huntington District – Water Management website or the Deer Creek State Park website.
